February 19, 2014 -- Global Genomics Group (G3) and Quintiles today announced that they will collaborate to investigate novel biomarkers and biological pathways for use in the development of diagnostic tools and treatments for cardiovascular diseases that impact millions of patients worldwide. Under the terms of the agreement, Expression Analysis (EA), a Quintiles company, will conduct RNA sequencing, microRNA sequencing and methylation analysis in the GLOBAL (Genetic LOci and Burden of Atherosclerotic Lesions) clinical study.

“RNA and microRNA sequencing, as well as methylation analysis, are cornerstones of functional genomics,” said Szilard Voros, M.D., chief executive officer and co-founder of G3. “EA’s expertise in this area will be advantageous as we investigate the biology of complex processes responsible for various cardiovascular diseases. The enrollment of the GLOBAL study is ahead of schedule.”

The GLOBAL study, designed to identify disease-related pathways, new drug targets and biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, is based on three pillars: next-generation phenotyping, pan-omics and system-biology driven bioinformatics. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography, an advanced, non-invasive imaging technology, is used for accurate phenotyping. It allows the measurement of plaque volume as well as plaque composition.

“Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading cause of death around the world,” said Steve McPhail, president and chief executive officer of EA. “We look forward to working with G3 to support the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in addition to the possibility of the discovery of new biologic pathways which may ultimately lead to the development of new therapeutics and individualized medical treatment options for patients.”

The ongoing GLOBAL study (ClincialTrials.gov Identifier NCT01738828) is an international, prospective, multi-center study recruiting up to 10,000 patients to characterize novel disease networks and biomarkers for coronary artery disease (CAD). The study is being funded by G3 and conducted together with strategic partner, Health Diagnostic Laboratory. Eligible patients undergo coronary CT angiography providing an accurate and detailed examination of the disease and disease status. This precision phenotyping is combined with a pan-omic analysis, and the data is then analyzed utilizing specifically-developed systems biology-based bioinformatics technology for the identification of diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.